How many points does a round-trip flight to Hawaii cost?

A round-trip economy flight from the US mainland to Hawaii typically costs 25,000–35,000 points in programs like United MileagePlus, American AAdvantage, or Chase Ultimate Rewards transferred to United. Business class runs 50,000–80,000 points round-trip on programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or Chase UR.

What is the best credit card for earning travel points?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/year) and Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550/year) are the most flexible, earning Chase Ultimate Rewards transferable to United, Hyatt, Air Canada, and 10+ other partners. The Amex Platinum earns Amex Membership Rewards transferable to Delta, Air France, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

How many hotel points does a night at a Hyatt cost?

Hyatt hotels cost 3,500–45,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Category 1-2 hotels (many international locations) start at 3,500 points. Category 7 (top luxury) is 45,000 points. Category 8 (Miraval resorts) is 45,000 points. Hyatt is one of the best hotel programs for point value.

Can I transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to hotel programs?

Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, making it one of the most valuable uses. You can also transfer to IHG Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, though Hyatt generally offers the best value per point.

AI Trip Planner

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Pick origin + destination + month → see best award flights, top hotels bookable on points, attractions, signature events, and the cards whose welcome bonus would cover the trip. 41 US origin airports, no bank link required.

Big Island, Hawaii

Active volcano, black-sand beaches, snorkel with manta rays

Pay in cash

$4,200

$700 flight + $3,500 hotel

Pay with points

340,000 pts

+ $30 taxes & fees

40KAlaska300KMarriott

Best card for this trip

Amex Bonvoy Brilliant

185K + 85K free night cert = 4-5 nights at Waikoloa Marriott (~$2,750 value)

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Weather in June

🌤️ Shoulder season — decent weather, fewer crowds

Best: April

Air temp

70°–84°F

21°–29°C

Water temp

78°F

26°C

Rainfall

low

Crowds

Moderate

Peak dry season — perfect beach.

Switch month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

● Best months ● Shoulder ● Off-season

Flights — JFK → KOA

Economy

Alaska Mileage Plan
JFK → KOA — long haul — connect via LAX, SFO, or SEA. Alaska miles via SEA — best US-Hawaii sweet spot
40,000
roundtrip
+ $30 taxes
Open to cover:Alaska Airlines Visa Amex Platinum
American AAdvantage
JFK → KOA — long haul — connect via LAX, SFO, or SEA. AA economy via LAX or PHX
50,000
roundtrip
+ $30 taxes
Open to cover:Sapphire Preferred

Top hotels for your points

⭐ Top picks

Picked for best points value — these hotels offer the strongest redemption rates we've tracked for this destination. Tap each one for why it stands out.

Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Marriott Bonvoy·Beach lovers
One of best beaches in Hawaii — relaxed luxury.
60,000/night
$700/night cash
5 nights = 300,000 pts (~$3,500 value)
Open to cover:Bonvoy Boundless Bonvoy Brilliant
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort
Marriott Bonvoy·Family beach resort
Cat 6 — Kohala coast with lagoon and historic petroglyphs.
50,000/night
$550/night cash
5 nights = 250,000 pts (~$2,750 value)
Open to cover:Bonvoy Boundless Bonvoy Brilliant
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Honors·Families with kids
Massive complex — dolphins, lagoons, monorail. Standard award.
70,000/night
$600/night cash
5 nights = 350,000 pts (~$3,000 value)
Open to cover:Hilton Aspire Hilton Surpass

Trip Strategy — open these cards and the trip is mostly free

Open Marriott Brilliant (185K + 85K free night cert) + Chase Sapphire Preferred (75K UR). Covers 4-5 nights Waikoloa + RT flight.

Amex Bonvoy Brilliant

185K + 85K free night cert = 4-5 nights at Waikoloa Marriott (~$2,750 value)

$650/yr annual fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve

75K UR → 40K Alaska for RT flight, leftover for car + food

$795/yr annual fee

Your out-of-pocket budget for this trip

Car rental (5 days)$450

Food (5 days)$350

Activities (5 days)$350

Total cash needed$1,150

🚗 Car rental needed · vs. $4,200 full cash trip

What to see & do in Big Island, Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Outdoor
Active Kīlauea volcano + Mauna Loa. Crater rim drive, lava tube, viewpoint at night.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Only here
Float over feeding manta rays at night — once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mauna Kea Summit
Only here
13,800 ft volcano — drive to visitor center, then 4WD to summit for stargazing.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Beach
Volcanic black sand + green sea turtles basking. Photo stop on south point loop.
Pololū Valley Lookout
Outdoor
Dramatic cliff overlook at end of road; 15-min hike down to black sand beach.
Kona Coffee Tour
Food
World-famous coffee region — multiple farms offer free tastings.

Events to know about

Ironman World Championship
Mid-October — most prestigious triathlon in the world in Kailua-Kona.
Oct
Merrie Monarch Festival
Week after Easter — world's premier hula competition in Hilo.
Mar · Apr
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
10 days in November — coffee tastings + farm tours.
Nov

All cards that help with this destination

Amex

Bonvoy Brilliant

$650/yr

Apply Now

Chase

World of Hyatt

$95/yr

Apply Now

Chase

Sapphire Reserve

$795/yr

Apply Now

Or discover destinations by season

Plan a trip withcredit card points

Big Island, Hawaii

Flights — JFK → KOA

Top hotels for your points

Trip Strategy — open these cards and the trip is mostly free

Your out-of-pocket budget for this trip

What to see & do in Big Island, Hawaii

Events to know about

All cards that help with this destination

Plan a trip with
credit card points